Highlights
- Kakariko Village has appeared in multiple Legend of Zelda games and serves as a central location for Link’s quests.
- Each version of Kakariko Village has its own unique features and gameplay elements, with some being more fleshed out than others.
- The latest iteration of Kakariko Village in Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom is considered the best so far, with meticulous design, captivating details, and a strong connection to the game’s lore.
Kakariko is a staple of The Legend of Zelda, appearing in seven mainline installments. It’s central to the plot of Tears of the Kingdom and is, of course, typically home to the legendary Zelda character, Impa. It’s often a place of refuge for Link in his relentless quests, but on occasion, it can be just as dangerous as the open Hyrule fields.
Tears Of The Kingdom: 8 Enemies That Are In Other Zelda Games
Longtime fans of the Zelda franchise will have recognized these enemies from previous games in Tears of the Kingdom.
As one of the most recognizable and beloved locations in Zelda history, Kakariko has gone through a surprising number of transformations and troubles. Past its more recent ring ruin dilemma, the village has seen all manner of dangers and darkness but has nonetheless remained a place Link can eventually rely on for safety. Looking at the different iterations, it’s safe to say some are better than others based on how much of a role they play in Link’s quest, as well as how well-designed the village itself is.
6 Four Swords Adventures
Minor Appearance But Fun Level Design
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
- Platform(s)
- GameCube
- Released
- March 18, 2004
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo, Nintendo EAD
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Puzzle, Fighting
Four Swords Adventures is Kakariko Village’s third appearance in the franchise. It’s the second stage of “The Dark World,” and the village has been overrun by thieves who have set it ablaze and are generally terrorizing the villagers. Four Swords Adventures is a top-down game akin to the classic Zelda titles, and due to the events taking place, the town isn’t as fleshed out as some newer iterations.
However, this version of Kakariko Village is still filled with fun NPC interactions and strategies that require Link to locate the thieves and carry them to a pen to stop their evildoing. The village doesn’t play a particularly significant role in the game but rather acts as its own satisfying level in Link’s quest.
5 A Link Between Worlds
Dual Appearance But Limited Story Relevance
A Link Between Worlds is a spiritual successor to A Link to the Past and sees Link travel a very similar map. In A Link Between Worlds, Link can make himself 2D and sidle into rifts to travel between Hyrule, and its “evil” counterpart, Lorule. Kakariko Village appears in Hyrule, but its Lorule version is called Thieves Town – a callback to Four Swords Adventures’ Kakariko Village being overrun by thieves, as well as A Link to the Past’s Village of Outcasts.
Compared to Four Swords Adventures, there’s a bit more going on. It’s home to all sorts of merchants and quirky characters with side quests for Link. However, in the scheme of things, Thieves Town is more central to the plot than Kakariko Village. It just doesn’t have the same level of world-building that newer versions have seen, but nonetheless functions perfectly in the context of the game.
4 A Link To The Past
Central To Plot & Informative Villagers
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- Platform(s)
- SNES, Game Boy Advance, 3DS
- Released
- April 13, 1992
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EAD
A Link to the Past is Kakariko Village’s very first appearance, meaning it’s the blueprint for every version that’s been created since. A Link to the Past and A Link Between Worlds share a largely similar map, so both Kakariko Villages are very much alike. A Link to the Past also includes a Light and Dark World version of Kakariko Village, the latter of which is named the Village of Outcasts.
The Legend Of Zelda: 9 Best Sages
Many sages have appeared throughout The Legend of Zelda franchise. These characters are some of the best.
This makes it difficult to decide which iteration of Kakariko Village is actually better than the other. However, A Link to the Past’s version is a little more informative and charming. A lot of the villagers will tell Link important information, and there are even cute side quests that connect the Light and Dark World. For example, a frog can be found south of the Village of Outcasts that, when returned to the Light World, will transform into the Blacksmith’s Brother. Little details like this make A Link to the Past‘s Kakariko stand out a little more.
3 Twilight Princess
Important Location & Notable Characters
In Twilight Princess, Kakariko Village is one of the most central locations in both the narrative and world-building. A lot of important events take place there, and it introduces notable residents like Renado, Luda, and Barnes. Unlike most of Kakariko’s iterations, in Twilight Princess it is not a pleasant or safe place for Link.
Compared to many other versions, this Kakariko Village is plot-heavy and more expansive, providing a lot of much-needed items and information. It’s where Telma takes Ralis to save his life and is home to the graveyard where Link will receive the Zora Armor. In general, Twilight Princess’ village has a lot more lore and detail, and the Hidden Village is even thought to be the original Kakariko Village.
2 Ocarina Of Time
Developed, Detailed, And Prominent Location
Ocarina of Time is indisputably home to one of the best iterations of Kakariko Village. Not only is the village broad and fleshed out, but it’s flush with lore and detail that make it incredibly vivid. As always, it’s the place where Link can retrieve many important items and pieces of information, but this time it’s home to the Sheikah and their vast history.
Tears Of The Kingdom: 8 Callbacks To Ocarina Of Time
Ocarina of Time is one of the most beloved games in the Legend of Zelda series, and there are quite a few callbacks to it in Tears of the Kingdom.
It’s the first place Impa tells Link to go to gain information and is a place of refuge for those who have lost their homes – like the many denizens of Clock Town after the seven-year time jump. Ocarina of Time is Kakariko’s second-ever appearance, and the game takes tremendous leaps in developing it to be a busy and resourceful place, full of fun and complex quests and information.
This version of Kakariko is also relevant to a lot of popular Zelda characters, including Impa and Zelda-disguised-as-Sheik. For a second try, Ocarina of Time’s version of Kakariko Village is easily one of the most memorable.
1 Breath Of the Wild/Tears Of The Kingdom
A Meticulous, Beautiful, And Layered Place
Breath of the Wild’s Kakariko Village is very clearly the culmination of decades of work and lore, resulting in a captivating town full of distinct villagers and charming details. Although changed by fallen ruins, Tears of the Kingdom‘s iteration is essentially the same map, especially since the latter is a direct sequel, so the two have been included together.
This version of Kakariko Village is a perfectly executed vision that draws on previous versions and combines them to make a vision of small-town life and careful living. Every house has new and exciting NPC interactions, as well as a plethora of side quests. Additionally, the architecture commits to Sheikah origins, leaning towards historical Japanese buildings. It is once again the first place Link is sent for information, and Impa has finally taken her place as the wise village elder.
In some ways, this version very much feels like a spiritual successor to Ocarina of Time’s take, which, with modern graphics and design, has been elevated to a work of art. The village truly feels as if it’s bustling with life, tradition, and care, and is worthy of being labeled the best iteration so far.
